CA/ NM/ UT trip

bryanmertz · Post by **bryanmertz** » Nov 09 2005 12:12 pm

Hi everyone. I'm hoping a few of you can give me some ideas for 2-3 days in CA, NM, or UT (even something in MX.) We're thinking of leaving Wednesday after work and driving somewhere for the Thanksgiving weekend - something 8 or so hours should be good.

Maybe an overnighter on trip, and a good in/ out one day. Moderate skill level.

Any thoughts/ suggestions from the wealth of knowledge that is the HAZ members is greatly appreciated. Also, all in-state ideas are welcome too.

Happy trails.

Bryan

scorpion scus · Post by **scorpion scus** » Nov 09 2005 1:51 pm

t he needles in canyonlands 7 hrs away absolutely spectacular dayhikes

Hoffmaster · Post by **Hoffmaster** » Nov 09 2005 3:52 pm

Mike, I was thinking the same exact thing before I scrolled down and read your post. Weird. Now I'm scared cause I don't want to think like you! Just kidding

.

Seriously, the Needles section of Canyonlands is a stellar choice. There are many options; dayhikes, backpacking loops, or backpack to a base camp and do a few dayhikes from basecamp. You need to get permits, like the Grand Canyon. The weather will be on the chilly side, so it might be possible to nab permits by just walking up to the Backcountry office and asking.

I spent Thanksgiving in Canyonlands, Arches, Moab area, two years ago. It was the best Thanksgiving I've ever had!

RedRoxx44 · Post by **RedRoxx44** » Nov 09 2005 6:04 pm

Death Valley will be great right now; I am considering a little Thanksgiving trip over there. Maybe backpack Surprise Canyon, maybe dayhike Telescope peak if trail is not snowed in.
Dayhikes--sand dunes, Trail Canyon, Echo Canyon, Keen Wonder Mine, Fall Canyon.

The Needles is good in southern utah, but the most heavily used and visited of Canyonlands. Give me the Maze anyday.

scorpion scus · Post by **scorpion scus** » Nov 09 2005 7:55 pm

the maze? my life seems like a maze

in my future the maze will be mine. and matt if you start to think like me well never know where we ar e

Hoffmaster · Post by **Hoffmaster** » Nov 10 2005 7:54 am

RedRoxx44, you have some great ideas. Now I want to bail on my Thanksgiving plans! I'm going to Joshua Tree NP but I've always wanted to go to Death Valley. The scenery there looks amazing!

The Maze would be a heck of lot sweeter than the Needles. I usually don't recommend it because it's a much longer drive. Solitude would be assured at the Maze, but the Needles won't be crowded by any means.

Bryan, you're getting some great suggestions, in my not-so-expert opinion. I hope whatever you chose to do is awesome!